Anyone have success with Lemon Bioflavonoids and/or Vinpocetine?

Hi,

As per the "John of Ohio" regimen, I started taking the Bioflavonoids a bit more than 6 months ago and really felt things were going well. I have not had the frequent dizziness attacks that seemed to be coming more and more often. However, just the past few weeks it is just the opposite. It seems like I have varying degrees of dizziness and lightheadedness more often than not. I am considering adding another part of John's regimen, which would be the Vinpocetine. I know Lysine is part of the regimen also.

As a bit of background, I was diagnosed with "Atypical Meniere's" several years ago (the atypical designation being that, at the time anyway, I had classic Meniere's symptoms but no tinnitus). That all changed a year ago when I also started with tinnitus. To help with that (also with varying degrees of success), my local ENT suggested I get hearing aids that include a therapy channel that used random ocean waves sound. Admittedly, I don't wear them very often since I find that what usually happens is that I constantly wind up with domes full of wax that need to be changed often. The use of the therapy signal does help, but I think I've basically learned to live with the tinnitus regardless of how often I wear my aids. The aids are fine, but are also a bit of a hassle.

I'm really much more concerned with the dizziness episodes and am seriously thinking of seeing another physician...one that specializes much more in Otology and areas of the inner ear / balance / Menier's issues, etc. I had an appointment last winter with the guy I have in mind but then canceled it after I got the hearing aids. At the time, I was much more concerned about the tinnitus since it was a new and difficult thing to deal with.

My local ENT's only answer to the dizziness episodes was simply to prescribe triamterene. I used a few and felt absolutely horrible on them...worse then any dizziness episode I've ever had. So really no point discussing all this further with my current physician as I don't believe he has anything more to offer.

Any suggestions or thoughts appreciated.....

Regards,
Keith

 

No...but I read your story. Great that it worked for you. Isn't the use of virals the same reason that John's regimen suggests using Lysine?

 

Thanks John. Isn't the lysine, as suggested in the regimen, an over-the-counter product? You refer to it on the vita cost link. Or do you just suggest reading up on the antiherpetics simply for informational purposes?

 

Seriously? I mean, we're talking about the use of non-Rx supplements here...not the contemplation of jumping off a bridge!

 

The one thing that concerns me is the suggestion of a link between high amounts of lysine and possible kidney damage, increased cholesterol levels, and possible association with gallstones.

I believe I will consult with an Otologist I plan to visit as to starting on an anti-viral. I'm definitely interested in pursuing that option, actually moreso than consuming large dosages of lysine. My current ENT is fixated only on the use of diuretics. I tried what he prescribed (about a year ago) and felt terrible. Only took a few of them and then quit.

 

Puppet...I didn't mean to come on so strong..I know exactly what you're referring to. Indeed, when we were that young, the world truly held a sense of innocence and immortality, and had such a non-threatening nature to it. Geez...at that age I lived in a row home in a medium-sized city in PA and we never even locked the doors at night. But, yeah, I get where you're coming from. I yearn for the days when I never heard of things like spasmodic dysphonia (another of my health issues), meniere's, tinnitus, etc. and all the accompanying medical jargon appropriate to each. It was great 'back in the day' when I used to wake up nearly every morning and actually feel really good. Can't say quite the same in recent years. So...if you're referring to a sort of desperation implied in the subject line you quoted, guess I have to say you're right.

 

LOL

 

So you would definitely advise trying the lysine instead of vinpocetine as a next addition to the regimen?

 

I've never had a dizziness episode last so many days before. I think this is about the 3rd day in a row that I don't feel well.

 

Absolutely! I already have an appointment with one, and had all my records faxed over to them from my current ENT. I'm just dreading that he will want additional VNG testing. I can barely tolerate those tests. Had it done twice now and got sick both times. I can manage it until they do the warm air in the ear. I can't seem to take that. Hopefully the new guy can get what he needs from the previous testing, though probably not. I already have the ECoG test that confirmed (presumably?) the presence of Meniere's, so why run all those tests again?